Posted on: Jul 5, 2012 04:58 PM
Round Rock, Texas US
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 32
LuvMyFam wrote:
Hi everyone, since I just got insurance, I am just starting the process. I was diagnosed in March, but didn't have the insurance to do anything yet. I have an appointment with MD Anderson, Houston on Monday and am nervous, but happy it's finally happening.
My question is, my pathology report says that my HER2 status is "Amplified 4.3". What does that mean? I've done so much research online, but can't really find anything. I know I can find out Monday, but also know that you ladies are the biggest wealth of information out there!
Thanks for your help!
Dx 3/20/2012, IDC, 1cm, ER+/PR+, HER2-Dx 3/20/2012, IDC, 2cm, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+
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SpecialK
Tampa, FL
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,680
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Jul 5, 2012 05:32 PM SpecialK wrote:
This is from an article published by the American Society for Clinical Pathology pertaining to Her2neu testing. My assumption from reading it is that your 4.3 result would be greater than the 4.0 mentioned below, thus positive, if that is what that number is representing on your report.
Immunohistochemical results were
interpreted as negative (0, 1+) or positive (2+, 3+). For
FISH analyses, a ratio for HER-2/chromosome 17 of 2.0
or more (D-FISH) or an absolute HER-2 copy number
per nucleus of more than 4.0 (S-FISH) were interpreted
as positive gene amplification.
Dx 9/27/2010, DCIS, Grade 3, ER+/PR+, HER2+Dx 9/27/2010, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, 2/14 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+Surgery 11/01/2010 Mastectomy (Both); Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Both)Surgery 12/06/2010 Lymph Node Removal: Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (Right)Surgery 12/21/2010 Reconstruction (Left)Surgery 01/07/2011 Reconstruction (Left)Surgery 01/21/2011 Reconstruction (Left)Chemotherapy 02/17/2011 carboplatin, TaxotereTargeted Therapy 02/17/2011 HerceptinSurgery 07/20/2011 Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Left)Hormonal Therapy 08/01/2011 FemaraSurgery 02/24/2012 Reconstruction: Breast implants (permanent) (Both)Hormonal Therapy 06/20/2012 Arimidex
LuvMyFam
Round Rock, Texas US
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 32
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Jul 5, 2012 05:36 PM LuvMyFam wrote:
Thank you, SpecialK, for responding. I keep reading things hoping that it won't be HER2+, but I kinda knew anyway, since it is growing so fast.
Dx 3/20/2012, IDC, 1cm, ER+/PR+, HER2-Dx 3/20/2012, IDC, 2cm, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+
lilylady
Seven Mile, OH
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 986
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Jul 5, 2012 08:21 PM lilylady wrote:
Dont feel so bad about your Her2 status. It is an aggressive cancer but we have new drugs-1 just approved June 6 and another hopefully by the end of the year. There are lots of exciting things going on for us.
I hope your visit goes well-and I am glad you have insurance now
Lilylady
Dx 2/18/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IV, Grade 2, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+
LuvMyFam
Round Rock, Texas US
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 32
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Jul 5, 2012 08:28 PM LuvMyFam wrote:
Thank you, I feel better after reading more. And, you are all so supportive! What is a day of chemo like? Is it different for everyone?
Dx 3/20/2012, IDC, 1cm, ER+/PR+, HER2-Dx 3/20/2012, IDC, 2cm, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+
SpecialK
Tampa, FL
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,680
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Jul 6, 2012 01:25 PM SpecialK wrote:
luvmyfam - yes, chemo is different for everyone - for many reasons. The regimen of drugs affects each person differently, although there are some side effects that are common for each combination. I found that I did not suffer from much aching or nausea, but did have problems with fatigue. I was fine the day of and the day after, but days 3-5 there was onset of malaise - just tired and bleh. Then better but with some GI upset for a few more days, but basically felt OK! For the 10 days -2 weeks prior to the next chemo I felt fine, a little more tired towards the last couple of treatments. The anticipation prior to the start of chemo was worse than the actual experience, as was the anticipation of hair loss - once it happened I just adjusted to it. There are things you can do to mitigate side effects and I would suggest that once you know if you will be receiving chemo, and what drug combo, check out the threads here that pertain to that specific regimen. For me, the actual day of chemo was long - labs, then doc appt., then pre-meds and then 3 different drugs - an all day affair - but everyone was super-nice and since I received chemo in a communal room people chatted, worked on laptops, watched TV, etc.
Dx 9/27/2010, DCIS, Grade 3, ER+/PR+, HER2+Dx 9/27/2010, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, 2/14 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+Surgery 11/01/2010 Mastectomy (Both); Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Both)Surgery 12/06/2010 Lymph Node Removal: Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (Right)Surgery 12/21/2010 Reconstruction (Left)Surgery 01/07/2011 Reconstruction (Left)Surgery 01/21/2011 Reconstruction (Left)Chemotherapy 02/17/2011 carboplatin, TaxotereTargeted Therapy 02/17/2011 HerceptinSurgery 07/20/2011 Reconstruction: Tissue expander placement (Left)Hormonal Therapy 08/01/2011 FemaraSurgery 02/24/2012 Reconstruction: Breast implants (permanent) (Both)Hormonal Therapy 06/20/2012 Arimidex